PSG make contact on possible Messi transfer

Paris - Paris Saint-Germain have contacted Lionel Messi's father over a possible move from Barcelona to Ligue 1.

Spanish newspaper Marca said that with the 29-year-old unsigned past 2018, PSG director of football Patrick Kluivert - a former Barca star striker - contacted Messi's father and agent Jorge.

The Argentinia star earlier this year turned down a new deal to stay at Camp Nou, reportedly because he was upset over how he was treated during his tax fraud case.

Premier League side Manchester City are also said to be among the clubs chasing Messi amid news last week that an unknown side offered the Barcelona player an £85 million signing fee to quit his lifelong team.

Barcelona said on Twitter last week that Messi was not leaving.

Leo Messi: "I am at the best team in the world": https://t.co/oyxJ3buM8r #ForçaBarça pic.twitter.com/opelyCifxY

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 24, 2016

Messi, 29, is believed to be asking for £825,000 per week to sign with Barcelona, who could not afford the price.

Messi has scored 496 goals for Barca since his debut in 2004.

Barcelona are in action next against lower-tier Hercules in their first-leg, round of 32 Copa del Rey match on Thursday.